The Rake's Progress - Opera in 3 Acts: Act II, Scene 3: You! O Nick, I've Had the Strangest Dream - Thanks to This Excellent Device - Forgive Me, Master · Igor Stravinsky · Eugene Conley · Mack Harrell
Duet Thanks to this excellent device, man shall re-enter paradise from which he was once driven. Secure from need, the cause of crime, the world shall for the second time be similar to heaven.
NICK (Looking to the audience) A word to all my friends, where're you sit, the men of sense, in boxes or the pit. My master is a fool as you can see, but you may do good business with me.
TOM When, to his infinite relief, toil, hunger, poverty, and grief have vanished like a dream, this engine Adam shall excite to hallelujahs of delight and ecstasy extreme.
NICK (Looking to the audience) The idle and the poor will give good money for this toy, be sure. For, so it please, there's no fantastic lie you can not make men swallow if you try.
TOM Omnipotent when armed with this, in secular abundant bliss... He'll ascend to win the throne of nature and begin his everlasting reign.
NICK (Looking to the audience) So, know your proper interest. Here's your chance. Invest!. Come, friends, praise the folly that pays dividends.
English Libretto or Translation:
Not entered yet.
External links for Thanks to this excellent device